10 Reasons Why You Should Give Traveling Alone A Try

Here I am outside le Louvre... in all black, of course, like a typical New Yorker.

I’m a huge fan of traveling alone. I’ve realized after doing it a bunch of times, that it’s the only way I want to travel forever. I’m not completely against the idea of traveling with friends, but as one who functions best solo style, I’m all for going off into the world that way, too.

As I prepare for a trip to Key West next week, I’m once again being asked the usual and mundane question: “Who are you going with?”

“No one.”

“How come?”

“Because that’s my thing! And my thing is awesome!”

I have tried on many occasions to convince my friends that they should go, at least once, on a trip alone. I think everyone should experience it at one time or another. And even if you realize it’s not for you, at least you forced yourself out of your comfort zone and into a world that’s completely different from your day to day life. Isn’t that what life is all about? Doing things that may end up pleasantly surprising you, or maybe even scaring the shit out of you?

Yes, it is.

The next time you’re thinking about skipping town and can’t find a travel buddy, I suggest you just say “fuck it,” and go alone. If you conquer your fear of it — if that’s what’s holding you back — then at least you can cross it off the bucket list. If you’re lucky, you’ll realize that it suits you and you’ll never again have to stand on a street corner in Madrid fighting with your friend over where to go next.

#11 – you can’t take pictures of each other in front of every damn place you went.

#12 – more experiences, less shopping.

#13 – you can stay at the museum all day if you want to.

#14 – there is no one to chatter nonstop with. (What a great habit to break.)

#15 – you can indulge your unique interests. Not many would think walking down Omaha Beach is worth doing.

#16 – zero wardrobe coordination.

#17 – you can upgrade or downgrade without having to consider someone else’s finances.

#18 – you won’t get dragged into doing anything stupid (like going to a casino).

#19 – you can experience the experience, instead of just experiencing sharing the experience.

#20 – the separation is more complete, because you’re bringing less of “home” with you. (This assumes you went someplace else because you actually wanted to be in a DIFFERENT place.)

Lindsay

I love traveling alone. My family seems to think I’m going to die every time though. Unfortunately, that’s put me in the habit of not telling my family about my trips until right before I take off. There is no greater joy than being on your own time and doing only what you want in a new city. This from a girl that also dines and does anything else she wishes alone, though.

Ara

yay! I’m so glad I’m not the only one who eats, and goes to the movies/theater/concerts, and travels alone.

Jo

It’s great that you enjoy traveling alone. I personally think that the ideal scenario is just traveling with someone you’re super compatible with. I had an amazing travel experience with one of my friends, we were roaming around Europe for 5 1/2 weeks and didn’t have a single fight or even bad feelings. Honestly I’d probably prefer traveling with her than my boyfriend.